Empowering Educators  

Imagine a district that has had 3 superintendents in 5 years. The finances are in shambles, the moral is suffering and the community is cranky. The impact of leadership turnover means that the changes needed never get any kind of solid traction. Listen to Paul as he shares his experience in working with his board, negoiating with his teachers union, realigning central office leadership to improve results. One of the most honest conversations with a superintendent you will ever hear.

Join us as we talk with Carey Harris, Executive Director of A+ Schools about their program "Board Watch". With the call for increased accountablitiy of teachers and principals in public schools, it all starts with those who guide and direct the efforts of a district; the school board. While we applaud the efforts of those who become board members because of their concern for kids, we who put them in office must help them stay focused on doing what is best for kids. Board Watch is a grassroots effort involving volunteers who are trained to observe Pittsburgh Public School Board meetings. These volunteers are informed citizens serving as independent observers and evaluators of the School Board’s governance. A strong public school system comes from an open, transparent, accountable and effective School Board and an informed and engaged community with higher expectations for School Board governance. Learn how they do it and how they want to train others to do the same in their communities.

The first segment of our show we speak with Cindy Britton who oversees the Knox County, TN PTA Clothing Bank. Listen to how this program clothes children and preserves their dignity. Could your district do something like this, too? Listen and find out. The second segment we talk with a new School Board member, Kimberly Gray from Richmond, VA. A working mother with 5 children from ages 18 months to 20 years old we talk about what inspired her to run for office. What has surprised her, shocked her and inspired her in the time she has been in office.

No one sits in the crosshairs of education more then school principals. Making AYP or not can be the difference between gainful employment and having to polish up your resume. Our guest is Brian Creaseman of Vance County, NC school district came into a school that was in the failing category. Through the development and implementation his school was able to meet all 25 targets within 6 months. Tune it for find out his secrets and ask questions.